Big for dates

[lauraalanna]

Hello,
I had my thirty week check up with my OB last week, and measured 41 cm from pelvis to top of uterus. Apparently for a 'normal' baby this should measure between 30-32 cm, and the OB is already talking about a c-section, an internal examination to measure my pelvis, and the likelihood of 'vaginal trauma' (his words) and the baby's shoulders getting stuck and possibly getting damaged permanently if I try birthing in a natural way. Needless to say I came out of the room quite rattled and stunned, and now feel really unsure and undermined in my desire to have a natural vaginal birth.

Can anyone offer advice? I've read heaps about OBs not being able to really measure pelvic capability, and about how women generally do not produce babies they are unable to deliver.

In addition to this, the OB has indicated that I should by no means deliver at the Family Birth Centre (at the Mercy in Melbourne), saying that if I choose a vaginal delivery I need to be near operating rooms if things go wrong. Whilst I desperately want to ignore his assumptions that my body can't do this, I nonetheless do not want to compromise my baby's health or that of my poor pelvic floor - the word prolapse scares me silly!

Any suggestions/advice is appreciated!
Cheers

[Visitor7]

Fundal height measurements are very inaccuarate, and I wouldn't be considering a c/s based on one. There is no way to tell if you're going to have a big baby or not until you are in labour, or have had the baby.
You will find plenty of articles on the BellyBelly main page supporting this.
Remember that it's your body and you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Don't get pressured into it.

Oh, and welcome to BellyBelly!!

[Trillian]

I think it is very very WRONG for your ob to suggest that you need a c-section based on a measurment that is REDUNDANT!!!!! You could simply have a lot of fluid, or the baby is sitting high, or the baby could just be big, but that is no reason at all to scare you into choosing a surgical birth when you are only 30 wks. Next he'll be wanting you to have a sizing scan, which is also highly inaccurate. I would politely tell him to rack off and leave you be. Women have been birthing large babies for centuries. You could possibly even tell him that if you agree to said c/section and baby was of a normal size, that you would be none too happy and would consider taking action - I bet he'd back off then.

Although I don't get why you are seeing an Ob if you are birthing at the family birth centre? Or did I read that wrong.

[Olive]

i seriously doubt your measuring 11 ahead! like the other have said that mesurement is sooooo inacurate!!

[Nai]

I was told I would have a big baby based on measurements and out came a 6lb 7oz, 46cm tiny bub who was in 0000 for 10 weeks! The measurements don't mean the baby will be big.

[Visitor7]

I should have added that I too was told I was having a 'big baby'. Nina was 6lb, 9oz, 49cm long Then with Emily they told me small - medium size baby and she was 8lb. Go figure.

[myson]

i would think a scan would be more accurate than measuring your belly??? but even that can be way out! I had a scan that predicted 10 pounds PLUS and she came out the next day at 8pound 15oz. So more than a pound out. sorry dont know how to express that in kg's.

but anyway. i dont think it would be accurate to measure your belly and say ok csection time!

IMO wait til the time gets closer and then get a second opinion if you really want to stick to your guns and need some backup. your belly may not change for a few weeks (even with a bub growing inside it) and things could even out later on. At 30 weeks you still have time.

[Pretty Butterfly]

I measured extremely large with my last 2 babies, and they were both in the 8 pounds area. Both born vaginally, drug and stitches free.

I had a LARGE amount of fluid with both, thats all. The nurses joked I could of prevented the drought if my waters had broke in the dam instead of hospital!!! There was seriously HEAPS!!!

Please dont worry, or rush into a c'section just based on the ob.

[lauraalanna]

Thanks everyone for your really reassuring posts. Whilst I have been telling myself these things in my head, it is easy to doubt yourself and your inner wisdom. I'm now feeling much stronger in my resolve to politely tell my OB to please bugger off and let my body do what it is meant to do!

A note to to Trillian - I should have explained that I'm only on the Family Birth Centre waitlist - hence why I'm still seeing the general staff via the Mercy public system. I have my fingers crossed!

Again thanks for your replies and support

[BellyBelly]

This is not a medical condition, but a normal healthy one. Moving to pregnancy discussion.

On a personal note, I would not walk, but run to the nearest exit, as it's clear what this Ob has in mind for your birth and the chances that it will be a normal, low intervention birth are low. And because what he has told you, it makes it all the more believeable that its needed.

You are more likely to have pelvic floor issues if he uses forceps or vacuum on you and your pelvic floor is under the influence of weight your WHOLE pregnancy. What a scaremongerer.... stupid Ob. Needs to go to normal birth school.